and many more benefits!

GMAT Club Timer Informer

Hi GMATClubber!

Thank you for using the timer!
We noticed you are actually not timing your practice. Click the START button first next time you use the timer.
There are many benefits to timing your practice, including:

Hide Tags

Show Tags

12 Aug 2013, 10:48

1

00:00

A

B

C

D

E

Difficulty:

45% (medium)

Question Stats:

64%(01:29) correct 36%(01:42) wrong based on 288 sessions

HideShow timer Statistics

Marriages where one spouse's energy levels differ markedly from those of the other spouse were the subject of a research study, which showed that such couples have more fights and fewer friendly conversations with each other as compared to marriages where both spouses exhibit similar energy levels. Thus, mismatched energy levels can seriously threaten the viability of a marriage

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument to the left?

a)Fights that can threaten a marriage are occasionally seen even between couples where both spouses have similar energy levels.b)People’s energy levels fluctuate with seasons and times of dayc)Spouses with energy levels significantly different from those of their spouses usually fight very infrequently with coworkers.d)It was discovered that people in unhappy marriages assume different energy levels from their spouses as a passive-aggressive way of showing dissatisfaction.e)Energy levels can be moderated and even changed easily by most people, as shown by another study.

Most Helpful Community Reply

Show Tags

This is “cause and effect” question.The form isBoth A and B exist.Conclusion: A makes B happen.Assumption: B does not make A happen. (The reverse relationship is wrong)

ANALYZE THE STIMULUS:

Fact: Marriages where one spouse's energy levels differ markedly from those of the other spouse ==> have more fights and fewer friendly conversations with each other as compared to marriages where both spouses exhibit similar energy levels. Conclusion: mismatched energy levels can seriously threaten the viability of a marriage

Assumption: unhappy marriages do not make couples have different energy levels.

ANALYZE EACH OPTION:

a)Fights that can threaten a marriage are occasionally seen even between couples where both spouses have similar energy levels.Wrong.TEMPTING but it does not weaken the conclusion. For example, couples having same energy levels some time have fight, but other couples having different energy levels always have fight that threaten marriages. Thus, conclusion is still valid.

b)People’s energy levels fluctuate with seasons and times of dayWrong. Out of scope. Nothing about “seasons and times of day”.

c)Spouses with energy levels significantly different from those of their spouses usually fight very infrequently with coworkers.Wrong. Out of scope. Nothing about “coworkers”.

d)It was discovered that people in unhappy marriages assume different energy levels from their spouses as a passive-aggressive way of showing dissatisfaction.Correct. D shows that unhappy marriages lead to different energy levels. Hence, D weakens the conclusion that different energy levels lead to unhappy marriages. (apply the cause and effect logic above).

e)Energy levels can be moderated and even changed easily by most people, as shown by another study.Wrong. Out of scope. We do not talk about how energy levels changed by people. We need to focus on the relationshiop “energy levels – unhappy marriages”.

Hope it helps.
_________________

Please +1 KUDO if my post helps. Thank you.

"Designing cars consumes you; it has a hold on your spirit which is incredibly powerful. It's not something you can do part time, you have do it with all your heart and soul or you're going to get it wrong."

General Discussion

Show Tags

This is “cause and effect” question.The form isBoth A and B exist.Conclusion: A makes B happen.Assumption: B does not make A happen. (The reverse relationship is wrong)

ANALYZE THE STIMULUS:

Fact: Marriages where one spouse's energy levels differ markedly from those of the other spouse ==> have more fights and fewer friendly conversations with each other as compared to marriages where both spouses exhibit similar energy levels. Conclusion: mismatched energy levels can seriously threaten the viability of a marriage

Assumption: unhappy marriages do not make couples have different energy levels.

ANALYZE EACH OPTION:

a)Fights that can threaten a marriage are occasionally seen even between couples where both spouses have similar energy levels.Wrong.TEMPTING but it does not weaken the conclusion. For example, couples having same energy levels some time have fight, but other couples having different energy levels always have fight that threaten marriages. Thus, conclusion is still valid.

b)People’s energy levels fluctuate with seasons and times of dayWrong. Out of scope. Nothing about “seasons and times of day”.

c)Spouses with energy levels significantly different from those of their spouses usually fight very infrequently with coworkers.Wrong. Out of scope. Nothing about “coworkers”.

d)It was discovered that people in unhappy marriages assume different energy levels from their spouses as a passive-aggressive way of showing dissatisfaction.Correct. D shows that unhappy marriages lead to different energy levels. Hence, D weakens the conclusion that different energy levels lead to unhappy marriages. (apply the cause and effect logic above).

e)Energy levels can be moderated and even changed easily by most people, as shown by another study.Wrong. Out of scope. We do not talk about how energy levels changed by people. We need to focus on the relationshiop “energy levels – unhappy marriages”.

Hope it helps.

Got it.Thank you so much for a prompt response. I wish there had a +10 kudos tab.
_________________

Show Tags

12 Aug 2013, 21:30

1

2013gmat wrote:

Marriages where one spouse's energy levels differ markedly from those of the other spouse were the subject of a research study, which showed that such couples have more fights and fewer friendly conversations with each other as compared to marriages where both spouses exhibit similar energy levels. Thus, mismatched energy levels can seriously threaten the viability of a marriage

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument to the left?

a)Fights that can threaten a marriage are occasionally seen even between couples where both spouses have similar energy levels.b)People’s energy levels fluctuate with seasons and times of dayc)Spouses with energy levels significantly different from those of their spouses usually fight very infrequently with coworkers.d)It was discovered that people in unhappy marriages assume different energy levels from their spouses as a passive-aggressive way of showing dissatisfaction.e)Energy levels can be moderated and even changed easily by most people, as shown by another study.

Show Tags

15 Sep 2013, 21:24

This is a causal argument.

Energy mismatch ( A) cause threatening to marriage ( B)

Marriages where one spouse's energy levels differ markedly from those of the other spouse were the subject of a research study, which showed that such couples have more fights and fewer friendly conversations with each other as compared to marriages where both spouses exhibit similar energy levels. Thus, mismatched energy levels can seriously threaten the viability of a marriage

Which of the following, if true, most seriously weakens the argument to the left?

a)Fights that can threaten a marriage are occasionally seen even between couples where both spouses have similar energy levels - This does impact on argument regarding different energy level. b)People’s energy levels fluctuate with seasons and times of day - out of scopec)Spouses with energy levels significantly different from those of their spouses usually fight very infrequently with coworkers. No impact in the argumentd)It was discovered that people in unhappy marriages assume different energy levels from their spouses as a passive-aggressive way of showing dissatisfaction. - unhappy marriage causes varying energy level , B Causes Ae)Energy levels can be moderated and even changed easily by most people, as shown by another study. OK That;'s good to know that it can be improved. Does it matter ?